August 14, 2025 | 07:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Lampung, Bustanul Arifin, highlights the phenomenon of Indonesian government policies that often miss the target. According to him, one of the causes of these mistakes is the lack of attention from politicians and officials towards the role of think tanks.
Bustanul emphasizes that think tanks are not just formal institutions; they also make real contributions by providing an accurate picture of the conditions, especially in the economic field, which can be the basis for more accurate policy-making. "I'm sorry to say, but the policy decision is quite a mess; that's my assessment," he said during a discussion at INDEF's 30th Anniversary Talk Show, held at Menara Danareksa, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
This senior economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) asserts that the existence of think tanks can be a strategic source of information for decision-makers, especially in facing complex economic dynamics. Therefore, avoiding think tank institutions is not beneficial for officials or politicians themselves.
Furthermore, Bustanul says that officials and politicians involved with think tanks must be more cautious when making decisions. Although it may seem to limit their freedom, it can improve the quality of decisions, which has a more positive impact on society. "So, for those of you who want to be officials, a balance between the two is necessary," he revealed.
Bustanul also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the independence of researchers and think tank practitioners. He highlights the risks that arise when researchers are too close to power, as it can erode the objectivity and integrity of the research.
According to him, independence is the foundation that must be maintained so that research results remain credible and reliable for the public and policymakers. "It's not wrong, who said it's wrong? That's a choice, but independence starts from there. There are many tendencies for people to make changes from within," he said.
Editor's Choice: INDEF Doubts Indonesia Will Hit 5% Economic Growth Target
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
The Dark Side of India's Research Publications Boom
3 hari lalu
The 'publish or perish' culture has bred unhealthy practices that threaten the very integrity of Indian academia
'Publish or Perish' Culture Fuelling Research Misconduct in India
4 hari lalu
Surge in research misconduct, ranging from plagiarism to data falsification, is posing a serious challenge to India's academic credibility.
Indonesians Continue to Fly the One Piece Flag Despite Government Threats
11 hari lalu
A resident from Riau, Kharik, feels no reason to comply and fear raising the One Piece flag in front of his house.
Indonesian Govt Gives Digital Platforms Deadline to Improve Child Safety Features
14 hari lalu
The Indonesian government is still assessing the classification of digital platforms based on their level of risk to children and adolescents.
Waste Bank Activist in Indonesia Complain About Lack of Government Assistance
14 hari lalu
The presence of waste banks in Indonesia faces challenges such as lack of government monitoring and low community participation.
Three-Quarters of U.S. Teens Now Use AI Companions, Survey Shows
23 hari lalu
A Common Sense Media survey found that 3 in 4 U.S. teens use AI-based virtual companions. The study surveyed over 1,000 adolescents aged 13 to 17.
Unpad Student Earns Doctorate at 25 After Researching Anti-Breast Cancer Compounds
23 hari lalu
During his doctoral studies at Unpad, Wahyu also participated in research programs at Sultan Idris University of Education, Malaysia, and Osaka University.
Indonesia's Foreign Debt Rises 6.8% in May 2025
31 hari lalu
Bank Indonesia recorded the country's foreign debt in May 2025 at approximately US$435.6 billion, growing by 6.8 percent annually.
5 Jokowi-Era Policies Revoked Under Prabowo Administration
35 hari lalu
Here are several policies from the Jokowi era that were cancelled during President Prabowo Subianto's administration. What are they?
Indonesian Govt Plans Renovation of Uninhabitable Houses
40 hari lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs plans to renovate uninhabitable houses using a budget of Rp15 million to Rp20 million.
